Living along the river

Author: Shang Changping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: This book has a very poetic name—River, referring to the Kuria River. The river is a seasonal one, often drying up and changing course. On both banks of the river grow poplar forests, reed marshes, and weeds, and the Dariyabo people live there. Living along the river is not poetic; they mostly rely on herding sheep for a living, and their lives are not prosperous, even quite impoverished. Living Along the River records the ordinary lives of the Dariyabo people, unadorned and presented to us in their truest form. Xiaowan—according to the China Reading News, Shang Changping has traveled to Xinjiang many times, always alone. She has ventured into places few have ever been or dared to go, with a strong sense of adventure. She is indeed an extraordinary woman, and this is not just because of her experiences in Xinjiang, but also her enigmatic words and deeds. She has written three books about Xinjiang. One is West of Yangguan, published in Shanghai, with the title inscribed by Mr. Ji Xianlin. You must say she is quite capable. The other is Living Along the River, published by Shandong Fine Arts Press, which tells the stories and lives of the people in Yutian. Dariyabo—a name that evokes longing, leading me to follow the river downstream. The Kuria River flows gurgling, its golden waves reflecting a crimson hue as it heads deeper into the desert. Sixteen-year-old Aisham is about to marry, and the camel named Warrior has become my companion through life and death. Every step it takes is driven by instinct. It hesitates in the sunset, waiting to see if I have the courage to go deeper into the desert. It is the desert that teaches us to let go—no matter what ideals and pursuits you have. The author of this book records the authentic lives of the Dariyabo people.